Although most of the world's tallest volcanoes are located in South America, Asia also contains a number of volcanoes with signicant elevations. Most of the continent's highest volcanoes are located in West Asia and the extreme eastern part of the continent, namely Iran, Turkey, and Russia. Some of the highest volcanoes in Asia are highlighted below.
- Mount Damavand
Mount Damavand is the highest volcano in Asia, with an elevation of 5,609 m. It is a potentially active stratovolcano located in the middle of the Alborz range, near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, in Amol County, Iran. Mount Damavand is the world's 12th most prominent peak, and the second highest in Asia, after Mount Everest. The mountain is of significant symbolic importance, particularly as a symbol of the resistance of the Iranian people against foreign rule and despotism, and its name is referenced in Persian mythology and literature. -
Mount Ararat
With an elevation of 5,137 m, Mount Ararat is Asia's second-highest volcano. Located in the eastern part of Turkey, Mount Ararat is a dormant compound volcano with a snow-capped peak. The volcano contains two volcanic cones, Greater Ararat, which is the tallest peak in Turkey, and Little Ararat. Mount Ararat is of great religious significance, as it considered by Christians as the resting place of Noah's Ark. The volcano is also featured prominently in Armenian art and literature, and is even depicted on Armenia's coat of arms. -
Mount Sabalan
Mount Sabalan is the third-highest volcano in Asia, with an elevation of 4,811 m. Located within the Alborz mountain range in northwestern Iran, Mount Sabalan is an inactive stratovolcano, and features numerous volcanic features such as a permanent crater lake at its summit. The volcano is known for various rock formations on its slopes that resemble animals, insects, and birds. The mineral water springs on Mount Salaban are large tourist attractions, as well as its ski resort and spas. The volcano is also a sacred place within the Zoroastrianism religion. -
Klyuchevskaya Sopka
With an elevation of 4,750 m, Klyuchevskaya Sopka is Asia's fourth-highest volcano. Located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, it is an active stratovolcano situated about 100 km from the Bering Sea. The volcano is also part of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka, which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The volcano is estimated to have formed approximately 6,000 years ago, but its first recorded eruption occurred in 1697. Since then, Klyuchevskaya Sopka has remained continuously active. In 1788, members of the Billings Expedition were the first to summit the volcano. -
Mount Krestovsky
Mount Krestovsky is an extinct stratovolcano located in the Klyuchevskaya range of the Kamchatka Peninsula. The volcano has an elevation of 4,108 m and is sometimes also referred to as Ploskaya Blizhniaya. Many climbers who visit the area to summit Klyuchevskaya Sopka also climb Mount Krestovsky. The volcano contains numerous volcanic features and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
While in Southeast Asia, we have two, and both are located in Indonesia, ranks at #7 and #9 in Asia.
7. Mount Kerinci. Mt Kerinci is the tallest volcano in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. This Asia's 7th tallest volcano is located on the island of Sumatra and it is popular with mountain climbers. The nearest village and climber’s base is Kersik Tuo, near Kayu Aro, Kerinci. The route is marked by signs, posted at half kilometer intervals. Mt Kerinci is also known by the name Indrapura Peak, Mountain Tower, Volcano Kurinci and Korinci. This is one of mountain climbers’ favourite since the trail condition of the mountain is clear and easy to follow.
9. Mount Rinjani. It is a massive volcano which towers over the island of Lombok. A climb to the top is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in Indonesia. At 3,726 meters tall, Gunung Rinjani is the second highest mountain in Indonesia. The climb to the top may not be easy but it’s worth it, and is widely regarded as one of the best views in the country. Within the mountain is a crescent shaped lake, the breathtaking Segara Anak which is a spiritual place. Hindu pilgrims from nearby island of Bali come here each year and perform a ceremony to the mountain spirit. The Wetu Telu people of Lombok also regard the lake as holy and come here to pray on full moon nights. This lake of sulfur is located 600 meters below the crater rim. Rising from the waters of this lake is a new volcano, Mt Baru, which is a result of a series of eruptions during the 1990’s.
Source : Worldatlas.com | Indonesia.travel
